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Charlotte, NC – Veteran NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin has officially confirmed his intention to continue racing through the 2026 season, putting to rest speculation surrounding his future following a dramatic championship loss at Phoenix Raceway. The announcement came via his podcast, "Actions Detrimental," where Hamlin candidly discussed the emotional toll of the season finale and his mindset moving forward.
The 43-year-old driver, a prominent figure in the Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) stable, revealed that had he secured his maiden Cup Series championship at Phoenix, he might have pursued an earlier retirement. "I would have begged Joe (Gibbs) to let me quit had I won that race," Hamlin stated on his podcast. "It would have been the perfect way for me to go out." However, the sting of defeat has altered this trajectory, prompting a renewed commitment to pursue the elusive title.
Hamlin’s 2023 season was marked by a dominant performance throughout the playoffs, culminating in leading a significant portion of the championship race. He led 208 of the 312 laps at Phoenix before a strategic pit stop gamble by the Kyle Larson team in overtime proved decisive. This outcome, described by Hamlin as "championship heartbreak," has understandably left him with a profound sense of disappointment.
"It doesn’t make me want to race right now in this moment anymore," Hamlin admitted, expressing the immediate post-season weariness. "The offseason is still so fresh, I want nothing to do with racing right now. I’ve got to get some more time." Despite this sentiment, Hamlin has already participated in sponsorship obligations for Joe Gibbs Racing and is slated to return to the seat of the No. 11 Toyota when the 2024 season commences.
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The confirmation of his 2026 status is significant given Hamlin’s age and the demanding nature of professional stock car racing. He acknowledged the finite runway remaining in his career and the personal challenges he has navigated this past year. "This has been quite the year," Hamlin reflected. "I mean, I’m so looking forward to January 1st. Just because, I mean, obviously this year, I’m on track, off track, ownership, new baby, dad, race for championship, lawsuit. It just was, it was taxing for sure. I don’t think I could redo 2025 again. No way."
Beyond the racing circuit, Hamlin’s life has been filled with considerable pressure. His father is reportedly battling a terminal illness, and he is actively involved in an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR. These personal and professional complexities contribute to the "taxing" nature of his current season. Hamlin even expressed concerns about the long-term physical effects of such intense stress: "I just feel like I’m doing damage to my internals that I don’t know about. You can’t just have all the stress and it not eventually take a toll."
Despite the personal adversities and the agonizing championship loss, Hamlin indicated that the overwhelming support from fans and fellow competitors has provided a measure of solace. He noted a shift in public perception, with even his most vocal critics exhibiting a degree of empathy following the Phoenix race. "I think that the fans made it a lot easier," Hamlin stated. "I mean, the competitors made it easier."
He specifically highlighted the graciousness of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion, Kyle Larson. "I got to give so much appreciation to Kyle Larson and how gracious he was during all this. Very humble during all this and certainly during the banquet, giving myself and my team the props that we did deserve in that final race. He did nothing wrong. His team knew that they had to do something to try to win. You know, they played the game as it was meant to be played. So, we definitely have a deserving champion in the 5 team, they scored more points than anyone else the entire year. There’s, you know, I don’t think anyone should ever question the deservingness of Kyle Larson’s championship because he definitely did."
This acknowledgment from Hamlin underscores a professional respect that transcends the intense rivalry on track. Larson secured his championship by executing a bold strategy that ultimately prevailed, a testament to the competitive spirit of the sport.
The NASCAR Cup Series has been undergoing discussions regarding potential changes to its championship format for the upcoming season. While the exact details remain under development, reports suggest a move away from a single-race playoff decider. This evolving landscape might also influence Hamlin’s long-term perspective, although he has indicated that any changes to the format would not immediately alter his desire to race. "They could say 36 races, which they’re not. Get over it, you’re going to get playoffs. But it’s still, the offseason is still so fresh, I want nothing to do with racing right now. I’ve got to get some more time."
Hamlin’s career to date includes 51 Cup Series victories and 350 top-10 finishes. He has been a consistent contender for championships, making the playoffs on multiple occasions but falling short of the ultimate prize. His tenure with Joe Gibbs Racing, which began in 2006, has been highly successful, establishing him as one of the sport’s most recognizable and accomplished drivers. The confirmation of his extended contract ensures that JGR will continue to field a formidable presence in the No. 11 car for at least the next three seasons.
The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season is scheduled to begin with the Daytona 500 on February 18th, 2024, at Daytona International Speedway. Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing will undoubtedly be among the frontrunners, driven by the renewed determination to finally capture the championship that has eluded them. The ongoing personal and professional challenges Hamlin faces will add another layer of narrative to his pursuit, making his journey through the upcoming seasons one to watch closely.
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